A Year In the Life Of...

This year proved to be a landmark one in the history of the National Memorial Arboretum. Along with the official opening of our new Remembrance Centre, by HRH The Duke of Cambridge in March, our grounds played host to more than 260 events during the course of the year.

From Little Saplings Sensory Play, to Armed Forces Day and Ride to the Wall, there was lots to entertain our visitors of all ages throughout the year. More than 15 dedication / memorial events, including the annual dedication of names, Armistice and Remembrance Sunday services were held in our grounds. One hundred years of women’s service in the armed forces was also commemorated by The Royal British Legion, our parent charity, who held a ‘drum head’ service on the 7 July in our grounds.

The Centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele was commemorated between the 31 July and 10 November. As well as a commemorative service, visitors were also able to participate in guided walks, visit our above ground replica trench or turn their hand to origami, leaving a heartfelt message for a loved one. Our youngest explorers were also able to take a World War I backpack on their own adventure around our site. In the summer many visitors also took the opportunity to experience the Arboretum at dusk when the Luna Cinema returned to the site for two dates, our first ever summer Proms was also held in August – we are pleased to confirm that this event will run again in 2018.

Our grounds continue to grow and develop every year, ensuring there is always something for you to see. As well as colourful displays of daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops in the spring, The Royal British Legion Poppy field looked spectacular this summer.

Next year promises to be very special as the centenary of the end of the First World War is commemorated. It will also be 100 years since the formation of the Royal Air Force, we will be recognising both these important occasions with a wide range of exhibitions and events.

1 March 2017

The 47th Squadron memorial, constructed from corten steel, was dedicated in March 2017.

29 March 2017

Our Remembrance Centre was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Cambridge in March.

12 April 2017

Our Children's Sensory Play Garden was officially opened to our young visitors on the 12 April.

13 April 2017

The Beat was awash with spring colour in April when daffodils started to bloom.

23 April 2017

Drive-It Day celebrates the diverse motoring heritage of the United Kingdon.

1 May 2017

On Monday 1 May the Arboretum celebrated Staffordshire Day with a tea dance and vintage market.

24 June 2017

Following a national search the Curry family were selected as our guests of honour at our Armed Forces Day event.

24 June 2017

A celebration of HM Armed Forces, Armed Forces Day was held in June.

7 July 2017

The Royal British Legion held a service to mark 100 years since the formation of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in July.

7 July 2017

The Royal British Legion held a service to mark 100 years since the formation of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in July.

14 July 2017

The Luna Cinema returned to the Arboretum in 2017, visitors had the opportunity to enjoy Hacksaw Ridge and Dirty Dancing in 2017.

1 January 0001

Peter Walker Passchendaele Mud and Memory

31 July 2017

Our Battle of Passchendaele service commemorated the start of the Battle in July 1917.

25 July 2017

The British Evacuees Association Memorial, encapsulates the sense of displacement experienced by the thousands of children evacuated from their homes.

31 October 2017

The Arboretum commemorated the Battle of Passchendaele between the 31 July and 10 November with activities including a mass participation art project, Heartfelt Messages.

5 August 2017

The Home Front Proms, featuring The Band of the King's Division and the Central Youth Theatre, was held in August.

14 September 2017

A service to remember and give thanks to those who gave their lives in the Service of their country in 2016 took place at the Arboretum in September.

7 October 2017

The tenth annual Ride to the Wall was held in October.

1 June 2017

The Royal British Legion Poppy Field looked spectacular during the summer.

18 October 2017

The Institute of Quarrying Garden, which previously at RHS Chatsworth was reimagined at the Arboretum during the autumn.

14 September 2017

A service to remember and give thanks to those who gave their lives in the Service of their country in 2016 took place at the Arboretum in September.

17 October 2017

The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment Memorial, dedicated in September, features three life size figures. The Devonshire Regiment is represented by a soldier fighting at the Battle of Passchendale, the Dorset Regiment by a soldier serving at the Battle of Kohima and the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment by a soldier on patrol in Northern Ireland during the 1970s.

20 December 2017

The Victory Over Blindness exhibition featured the Sculpture 'Victory Over Blindness' by Johanna Domke-Guyot (Marshall).

5 October 2017

The Town's Women's Guild memorial was dedicated in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal.

21 October 2017

In October our Twilight Trek was held in the grounds of the Arboretum.

31 December 2017

The woodlands at the Arboretum continue to develop year-on-year.

11 November 2017

Our annual Armistice Day service was held on the Armed Forces Memorial.

12 November 2017

Our annual Remembrance Service was held on Sunday 12 November.

25 November 2017

Wendy Aldiss - Burma Veterans Unforgettable Exhibition

2 December 2017

There were festive treats apenty at our Christmas Food and Gift Fair, held on the 2 and 3 December.

16 December 2017

Our Carols by Candlelight concert, held on the 16 December, got everyone into the Christmas spirit.

1 January 0001

Guinness World Record Christmas Card

Unless otherwise stated, all images in this gallery copyright the National Memorial Arboretum

You may also like...

Carols by Candlelight

22 December 2018

Join us in the beautiful winter surroundings of the National Memorial Arboretum for our annual Chris...